County Council invites public to learn about 2015 U.S. Open preparations

Why did the USGA pick Chambers Bay as the site of the 2015 U.S. Open? When can people register to volunteer? When do tickets go on sale? How will spectators get to the site?

The public is invited to come hear answers to these and other questions about the 2015 U.S. Open Championship during an in-district meeting of the Pierce County Council on June 27. The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Environmental Services Building, located next to Chambers Bay at 9850 64th St. W, University Place.

The meeting will feature a presentation by Danny Sink, the United States Golf Association's on-site championship director, just days after his return from a month-long assignment supporting the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club near Philadelphia. Former County Executive John Ladenburg will make brief remarks about the conversion of the site from a sand and gravel pit to U.S. Open site and park. And county officials will give an update on planning for the championship.

"The U.S. Open is one of the premiere sporting events in the world, and it is coming to the Pacific Northwest for the first time in its history," said County Councilmember Connie Ladenburg, who will preside over the meeting being hosted in the District 4 area she represents. "This is a great opportunity for residents and business owners to come learn about the championship, including the timeline for preparations."

The U.S. Open will be conducted June 15-21, 2015, which includes three practice days before the four-day championship rounds. The USGA is planning on total attendance of 235,000 spectators, volunteers, media, vendors and staff.

By law, the County Council holds one meeting each year in each of the seven Council districts.